Through the eyes of Tom Wingfield, a character in the play, the reader gets a glance into the life of his family. Tom's mother, Amanda, is a southern belle desperately clinging to her past. ... One major symbol presented in the story is that of the fire escape, which has a different meaning and function for each of the Wingfield characters. ... For Amanda, the fire escape is symbolic of her hopes and dreams. ... Next, the chandeliers from the dance hall across the way create rainbow-colored reflections in the Wingfield home. ...

• Word Count: 991
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

Our character, Laura Wingfield, from Tennessee Williams" play, The Glass Menagerie, suffers from a crippled leg that causes her to limp whenever she walks. ... After Tom and Amanda's fight, she pleaded with Tom to make up with her mother and say he was sorry. ... In some manner, there is probably a bit Laura, Tom, Jim, or Amanda in all of us. ...

• Word Count: 759
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School